Do you or a loved one suffer from dental anxiety? Are you fearful of dental appointments due to a negative past experience? At Williamsburg Dental, we understand that fear of dental treatment is a common problem. That’s why we provide sedation dentistry in Broomall, PA, to help patients get the dental care they need. Dental sedation is a safe treatment method that allows anxious or fearful patients to receive general dental care like dental cleanings and other routine treatments.
Our dentists offer oral conscious sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation. We’re compassionate in helping patients will dental fear achieve the smile they want without fear of pain. If you’re interested in sedation dentistry in Delaware County, please contact us for an appointment. You can learn more about how we can help ease your dental anxiety.
Who Benefits from Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation helps people who are afraid of the dentist, but it also helps with longer or more complicated treatments. It makes it easier for you to stay calm and get the care you need. Sedation dentistry allows patients to get the required treatment to improve their oral health without fear of pain.
Maybe you’ve avoided the dentist or put off getting necessary treatments, and now you are more fearful than ever because of the extensive procedures you’ll need. In this scenario, sedation can provide the solution to your problem.
Many of our patients have been able to enjoy high-quality care through sedation dentistry even when extreme fear has caused problems for them in the past. Sedation helps our dentists provide more efficient care while relaxing our dental patients. Under sedation, patients will not feel any pain and can even fall asleep during their procedure.
Types of Dental Sedation
At Williamsburg Dental, we offer two types of dental sedation: oral conscious sedation and IV sedation. These options help patients feel calm and comfortable during their dental visits, especially if they have anxiety about treatment. The best type of sedation for you depends on how nervous you feel and how much dental work you need.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This type of sedation is given in pill form before your dental appointment. It helps you feel very relaxed, but you will still be awake and able to respond to the dentist during your treatment. Because the medicine can make you drowsy for a while, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from our office.
IV Sedation
We give IV sedation through a vein in your arm. It takes a little time to start working, but once it does, you will feel deeply relaxed. Many people even fall asleep during their treatment. Like oral sedation, it also takes some time to wear off, so you will need someone to drive you home afterward.
At Williamsburg Dental, all IV sedation is provided by Dr. Spennato and Dr. Tibbetts, along with a board-certified anesthesiologist. During your procedure, we carefully monitor your vital signs to make sure you stay safe and comfortable. Most patients feel completely at ease and don’t remember much about the dental work afterward.
We also offer a free consultation to talk about your sedation options before your treatment, so you can feel confident and prepared.
Dental Sedation FAQs
Read answers to common questions about sedation dentistry in Broomall, PA:
Will I feel any pain during the procedure?
No, you should not feel any pain during the procedure. Before starting any dental work, our dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the treated area. This means the part of your mouth getting worked on will be completely numb, so you won’t feel any sharp or painful sensations.
At the same time, sedation helps you feel calm and relaxed. Depending on the type of sedation you receive, you might feel sleepy or even fall asleep, but you will still be comfortable the entire time.
Will I be unconscious with sedation dentistry?
Unless under general anesthesia, you will be awake during conscious sedation. However, you may feel drowsy. Even with minimal sedation, some patients may fall asleep, but a dentist can easily awaken them.
Can I eat or drink before my sedation appointment?
Whether or not you can eat or drink before your sedation appointment depends on the type. If you get IV sedation, we may recommend that you don’t eat or drink for at least 6 to 8 hours before your appointment. This is to help prevent nausea and other problems during the procedure.
If you get nitrous oxide (laughing gas), you can eat a light meal a few hours before your visit. We’ll give you specific guidelines before treatment.
How long does dental sedation last?
The length of time dental sedation lasts depends on the type of sedation you receive and how much of it the dentist gives you. In some cases, the effects may wear off in about an hour. In other cases, they can last for several hours after your dental procedure is over.
If you have oral sedation or IV sedation, you will probably feel sleepy or a little out of it for the rest of the day. You need to have a trusted adult drive you to and from your appointment. You should also plan to rest and avoid doing anything that requires focus, like driving or using heavy machinery, for at least 24 hours.
Does dental sedation have side effects?
Common side effects of dental sedation can include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, and nausea. Patients may also feel groggy. You should avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours after treatment.
What are the advantages of oral sedation compared to other methods?
Oral sedation has several benefits that make it a popular choice for many patients. One big advantage is how easy it is to take. It doesn’re require needles, which is great if you’re afraid of shots.
Oral sedation is also very effective at helping you feel calm and relaxed during your dental visit. Another benefit is that it usually costs less than IV sedation.
Many people who choose oral sedation also experience an “amnesic effect,” which means they remember very little, if anything, about the dental procedure afterward. This can be helpful if you feel nervous or anxious about dental work.
Is sedation dentistry safe for children or older adults?
Yes, sedation dentistry can be safe for both children and older adults when done by a trained dentist. Before using any type of sedation, we’ll review the patient’s medical history and current health to make sure it’s the right choice.
We use lighter forms of sedation for children, like nitrous oxide or laughing gas. This option helps children stay calm but still awake during treatment. For older adults, we’ll consider any medications they take and health conditions they may have for safe treatment.
Will I remember anything after dental sedation?
It depends on the type of sedation you get. You’ll stay awake and remember most of your dental visit if you get laughing gas. This type of sedation helps you feel relaxed, but it doesn’t make you forget what happened.
If you have moderate sedation with oral medication, you may feel drowsy and very calm. You might even fall asleep during the procedure. You may remember very little or nothing at all about the dental work once it’s done.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Call Williamsburg Dental for comfortable dental treatment with sedation dentistry in Broomall, PA, today at (610) 347-8302. You may also request a dental appointment with us on our website.
Please let our dental team know if you have questions at your next dental visit. They’ll be happy to help you.